PREVIOUS REPORT: West Chester man pleads guilty to child pornography charges
Staley faced up to nine years in prison, but told Judge Charles Pater before sentencing that he has sought treatment for alcoholism as well as urges to view pornographic images of children.
Defense attorney Douglas Nicholas pointed out that Staley has no criminal past other than OVI arrests. The defense attorney said Staley is also caring for his elderly father to avoid placing him in a nursing home
“When he was drinking, that is when all this activity occurred,” Nicholas said.
Assistant Butler County Prosecutor Lindsay Sheehan said copious amounts of child images were found in Staley’s residence that had been there for years, some printed out and hidden in trash bags.
“These pornography photos involved very young pre-pubescent children,” Sheehan said, noting they were all of girls under the age of 10. The young victims are not known.
“Each time that image is viewed, accessed, printed and kept — that is is creating a market through this type of crime,” she said.
The alleged crimes occurred on or about Feb. 16, 2016, according to the indictment. The crimes involved images downloaded, and there is no indication local children were involved, according to the prosecutor’s office.
“I am ashamed of what I have done,” Staley told the judge.
He added that he is continuing treatment and has changed his actions, including access to cell phones or computers.
Before placing Staley on probation, Pater said based on the information he has, including letters from Staley’s children, there has never been any indication that he “acted” on any urges involving children.
Pater also ordered Staley to have no access to computers and to stay away from children under the age of 12. If he violates his probation, the judge said he will serve a 12-month prison sentence.
Staley was also classified as a Tier II sex offender, meaning he will have to register his residence with the sheriff’s office every 180 days for the next 25 years.
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